Friday, 27 September 2013

One of the reasons why I enjoy to be a dog owner is the fact that I can walk my four-legged friend several times a day, and in this way I take care of my health.
We all know that nowadays life is fast and it is not easy to stick to the daily exercise routine. With our dog we can get and keep fit!
An image of a Yorkie in a female handbag is a popular stereotype. While my dog enjoys to be lifted and carried on my hands (fortunately she weighs only 3 kg = 6.61 pounds), what she likes the most is running! Running very fast!
I love this article: reuters.com: Looking for a fitness buddy? Get a dog.

Experts say studies show dog owners walk more, walk faster, and are more likely to enjoy an active lifestyle because of their companion animal.
"I'm fascinated by what a great motivator dogs can be," said Dr. Sandra McCune, co-editor of the book, "The Health Benefits of Dog Walking for People and Pets."
McCune, an animal behaviorist based in Leicestershire, England, said studies show if you're a dog walker, you're more likely to meet the guidelines for daily activities.
Dogs are the reason behind two-thirds, 66 percent, of the walks their owners take each week, according to a recent survey of more than 1,011 adults commissioned by pet food company Mars Petcare.
One-quarter of people with children and pets regularly visit parks and other outdoor spaces because of their dog.
"Personally, I have a Labrador," McCune said. "When it's dark, when it's raining, the dog needs a walk, every day."

It is true - personally, I feel much better since I got my dog. But not only walking is healthy, but also, as I mentioned above running;
9 tips for running with your dog:

TALK TO YOUR VET
"Do not begin an exercise program without first consulting your physician." It is in the fine print of nearly every gym membership form and for good reason. This is smart advice not just for you but for your dog as well. Since dogs don’t complain like us, they may have a nagging health issue that you are unaware of. Be sure to tell your veterinarian that you plan on exercising with your dog, so they pay extra close attention to their heart, lungs and joints.

KNOW YOUR BREED
Certain breeds of dog are better suited for distance running than others. Shepherds, terriers, retrievers and other working dogs are built to run long distances, while others are not. If you own a small dog that looks like it could star in a Taco Bell commercial, it is recommended that they stick to walking. A list of breeds that make good running partners can be found at Dogbreedinfo.com.

BUILD UP GRADUALLY
While you may want to train like Rocky Balboa right out of the gate, that is not a safe option for your pet. Like any person, a dog who hasn't exercised before needs to work his way up. The pads on a dog’s paws are very sensitive and must be toughened up with gradual increases in mileage.

WATCH YOUR PAWS
Be aware of the type of surface you are running on. Hot blacktop, jagged ice, glass and other roadside debris can cause injuries. If your dog starts to limp or lick its pads, stop the workout immediately. Until they come out with running sneakers for dogs, you must inspect your dog’s pads before and after outdoor workouts for cuts.

STAY HYDRATED
Good advice for you and your pooch; make sure your buddy has water before and after your workout. If you plan on running long distances, it is smart to bring water with you. When your dog gets tired, it will look to drink water from puddles. Make sure you don't allow this as that water is high in toxins and contaminants, which can make your dog sick.

LISTEN TO WHAT HE'S SAYING
Dogs can't talk, but foaming at the mouth, heavy panting, glazed eyes and slowing down are sure signs that your dog is being overworked and should take a break. Don’t worry: it won't be long before you're the one panting and in need of a break if not already.

SHIT HAPPENS
It’s just a fact of life. Another fact is that, depending on where you live, you could be facing a hefty fine for not picking up after your pet. The “but I’m in the middle of a workout” excuse probably won’t work with the police.

LEASH YOUR DOG
Leashing your dog will keep both of you under control and will ensure your pet keeps pace. Avoid using retractable leashes. They provide too much room between you and your training partner and can tangle. A three- to six-foot leather leash should provide the right amount of distance.

KEEP YOUR PAWS CLEAN
Salt and dirt from the road can get in between your dog’s toes, causing irritation and even infection. Cleaning your dog’s paws with a warm, soapy rag after your run will take care of this problem.

To sum up, try to spend your time in an active way with your furry friend - your dog will appreciate it and for you it will be of great help on your way to be fit and healthy.

When I started to write this blog (one month and a half) I did not have any idea about html codes and about how to gain popularity (I have many views but this is not my objective). As my hobby is photography and as I enjoy to share photos, I thought it will be a good idea to add some stories to my photos and discover new interesting facts about dogs. Additionaly, Yorkshire Terrier is quite a demanding breed, I thought it will be also beneficial to share some advices on how to take care of a Yorkie.
Today I would like to explain what are the different ways to read my blog. I have a dynamic template - it means my blog is equipped with interactive layouts. Below I attach some print screens. Choose one of the layouts in the left top corner and have fun ;-) my favourite is snapshot Which one is your favourite? :-)
Buzz Blogger:

Blogger now offers seven new ways to experience your favorite blogs.
Classic: A modern twist on a traditional template
Flipcard: Photos tiled across the page
Magazine: A clean, elegant editorial style layout
Mosaic: A mosaic mix of different sized images and text
Sidebar: An email inbox-like view with a reading page for quick scrolling and browsing
Snapshot: An interactive pinboard of your posts
Timeslide: A horizontal view of your posts by time period
Dynamic Views make it easier to read your favorite blogs. Better yet, they make it easy to discover posts written long ago that you may not have read.

Thursday, 26 September 2013

I have been alwyas interested in colours- meaning and chromotherapy (sometimes called color therapy, colorology or cromatherapy). I believe colours make our life more enjoyable and help us to feel better. So can dogs perceive colours? I used to believe, that dogs see everything in black and white only. Yet, it is not true!
As we can read on Huffington Post:

Scientists have long known that dogs' eyes are physically equipped to perceive colors, and consequently that canines are not colorblind. But dogs are believed to see only shades of yellow, blue, and gray. That's because their eyes have only two types of color-sensitive "cone" cells as compared to three in the human eye.

Well, my dog's new sweater colour is fuchsia. My dog probably does not see it, but still I can imagine that in some time new research may be conducted and new surprising results may be revealed.
Fuchsia colour comes from the plant:

The Fuchsia is an ornamental plant commonly known for its beautiful flowers. Fuchsia flowers are extremely delicate and look very similar to earrings. Fuschia flowers come in many different colors including: white, red, pink, violet, orange, yellow, and many other colors. There are more than one hundred different species of Fuchsia, and more than eight thousand different varieties and hybrids. One of the most popular is the Fuchsia Hybrida, which was created by crossing Fuchsia Globosa with other species of the plant. The Fuchsia plant is a native of South America, and in some countries is known as the Earring plant.

Tuesday, 24 September 2013

I like to follow all events connected with dogs, and if there is an event connected with Yorkshire Terriers I am especially interested in it! This Sunday there will be a meeting for Yorkies and their owners at the main (second biggest) shopping mall in my city.
Of course, I must be present. I work everyday long hours and unfortunately I do not participate in as many events, as I would like to take part in.
This event will be held on Sunday, so it is perfect for all the interested people to come.
My Yorkie will be very happy and excited to see so many other Yorkies. My dog is a very sociable, friendly and easy-going pet - she likes to play and have fun with other dogs, no matter what their size is. However, her favourite companions are other small dogs, especially representatives of her own breed - Yorkshire Terriers.
The "Yorkomania" program includes:

13:30 - choosing the cutest puppy

14:30 - main competition for the most beautiful, fashionable and the most clever/ the smartest Yorkshire Terrier

and finally choosing the Miss and Mister

In addition

accessories, food, cosmetics, clothes and toys for dogs will be presented

Sunday, 22 September 2013

The Italian city of Milan is recognised internationally as one of the world's most important fashion capitals, along with Paris. It is additionally recognised as the main fashion city in the country, with Rome and Florence being other major centres.

You don't have to go to the designer boutiques to buy some unique and high-quality clothes. Fashion influences are seen everywhere in the streets of Italy, people are well-dressed and it comes to them naturally.
As manufacturing is well-performed and prices decreased, Italian fashion is synonymous with high quality and elegance.
And what about our four-legged furry friends? :-)
When you will type in google search engine the words: abbigliamento per animali, which mean "clothing for dogs" you will find some interesting things. Alternatively, you can google: abbigliamento per Yorkshire Terrier, per cani, per cani piccoli (cani is a dog, piccoli means a small dog). I visited Milano early spring this year, and it was before I had Pippi, so I did not pay attention to abbigliamento per animali
I enjoyed fashion for people, but now as I am a Yorkie owner I have decided to do some research:-) I post beneath the list of online shops. Of course, I strongly recommend visiting Italy, but you can also order Italian clothes for your dog without taking a flight to this fashion capital. Nowadays things are so simple, you can just click and buy. You can also search for some inspiration ! Maybe you will find something similar in your local per store, or maybe you will opt for DIY dog clothes.

moda-cani.it an online shop from Rome, check those nice clothes and accessories!

Saturday, 21 September 2013

Pippi rests today a lot, when we are apart we miss each other a lot! Today I have cooked some pasta for her, mixed it with chicken hearts, some green peas and oil.
Tomorrow will be the day devoted to her coat care. She does not have tangles (fortunately!), but she needs a good bath, brushing and afterwards maybe a photo session ;-)
Tomorrow also a long walk, I really hope for a good weather and much sunshine! As days are getting shorter and colder, I will buy her a jacket soon. Of corse, I will post photos of my purchase on my blog to present it.

During my stay in Tuscany, Italy, I was in a nice hotel complex, where dogs were allowed. Next to my room there was a noisy poodle accommodated, but as I am an animal friend, I did not mind :-))
If you are looking for a place where you can spend holiday with your four-legged friend, then Italy is really a good choice.
Check the website Pet Travel
On this website you can search for pet-friendly hotels.

You and your pet will enjoy a vacation in Italy it is certainly one of the pet friendliest Countries in the World. Situated in Mediterranean Europe, Italy has land frontiers with France in the northwest, Switzerland and Austria in the north and Slovenia in the northeast
In Italy there are a thousand ways for you and your pet to enjoy your holiday. Take in a little culture by walking through the ancient cities with their monuments, castles and archaeological sites.
Or, simply enjoy sitting in a bar with your pet at your fee will you enjoy a cappuccino or a glass fine Italian wine.
Take in a world-class soccer game or go skiing. There are beautiful beaches and wonderful hiking trails where your pet will be welcome. Be sure to take your pet on a gondola ride through the winding canals of Venice.

And by the way, do you know which dog breeds have their origins in Italy? Here is a list:-)

Friday, 20 September 2013

Hi, I am back. I missed a lot posting on my blog during my holiday and for the next holiday I would like to take my netbook to my hand luggage. Italy is a dog-friendly country! If you are in Italy with your dog, why don't you visit La spiaggia per cani - dog beach?

on my way to Livorno

You can get more information on http://www.dog-beach.it/
Check this website out!
Here you can find photos and videos! click here to see them
"Questo è il sito della DOG BEACH di San Vincenzo, una spiaggia per cani attrezzata totalmente dedicata ai nostri amici a 4 zampe ed ai loro padroni. 200 mt di spiaggia dove poter passare una giornata giocando con il vostro “fido”, rilassarsi sui nostri lettini oppure partecipare ad uno dei tanti eventi (sempre legati al mondo degli animali domestici) in programma per quest’estate.
L’ingresso è completamente gratuito ed all’interno troverete tutto quello che serve a voi ed al vostro “amico peloso”.
La DOG BEACH rimane aperta per tutta la stagione, ogni giorno durante l’orario di balneazione.
Vieni a trovarci e non te ne pentirai!!!!
Dog Beach San Vincenzo....la spiaggia DEI cani"
I hope that my translation is ok, if not, please correct me:-)
"This is the site of the DOG BEACH in San Vincenzo, a dog beach equipped totally dedicated to our 4-legged friends and their owners. 200 meters of beach where you can spend a day playing with your "trusted/loyal friend", relax on our sun loungers or participate in one of the many events (associated with the world of pets) scheduled for this summer.
Admission is completely free and inside you'll find everything you need for you and your "furry friend".
The DOG BEACH remains open throughout the season, every day during the bathing time.
Come and visit us and you will not regret!!
Dog Beach San Vincenzo .... Of the beach dogs"
Sounds nice, right?
I really do recommend staying in San Vincenzo!

San Vincenzo is a comune (municipality) in the province of Livorno in the Italian region Tuscany, located about 100 km southwest of Florence and about 50 km southeast of Livorno.

Saturday, 14 September 2013

Finally it is Saturday, I am thrilled cause today my small holiday begins. Today I will take a plane to Pisa, Italy.
One of the resons why I have decided to get a Yorkshire Terrier is the mall size of this breed, which makes travelling so much easier and more convenient. I travel regularly, mainly Europe. However, there are still many places, which I have not explored yet ;-) so there is always a new place to see. Today I do not take my dog with myself, Pippi will stay with my family, but of course I do not exclude the possibility of taking her with me on board in future! I would like to take her for a long walk along the seaside! In the place where I live it is not possible (I live close to the mountains but far from the seaside) When I reach Pisa, I want to travel to a seaside spot. Although this time I do not take my dog, while being in Italy I will pay much attention to dog issues. Maybe I will drop in to a pet store, or take some photos of the local dogs ;-)
When it comes to travelling by plane with a dog, Ryanair does not accept pets on board, except from guide dogs, click here to read more about this airline regulations
I am disappointed with their strict pet policy.So...
Which airlines can you take pets on?
source cheapflights.co.uk

If you're flying internationally, you've got a good choice of airlines. British Airways carries pets not in the cabin but on British Airways World Cargo (via a Pet Travel Agent). Virgin Atlantic allows cats and dogs to travel in the cargo hold to and from Barbados, Boston, Dubai, Hong Kong, New York JFK and Newark, Johannesburg, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, San Francisco, Sydney, Washington (there are seasonal services to Chicago, Vancouver and Cape Town). The minimum cost from the UK is £335 and seasonal surcharges may apply.
KLM - small cats and dogs weighing up to 6kg (13lbs) (including a kennel or travel bag) may be taken into the cabin. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance of travel. Household pets (cats and dogs) may travel as check-in baggage too. Alternatively, pets can be transported as freight with Air France-KLM Cargo. This is the option for heavier animals (and their kennels) that weigh more than 75kg (165lbs) for flights to Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Kenya, South Africa or the United Arab Emirates.
Lufthansa carries pets in the cabin (up to 8kg) or as cargo (in a container that is IATA approved).
Whichever airline you choose to fly with, you will always need to call and reserve your pet's travel. While some airlines allow pets in the cabin, others do not and while there is always an administrative charge for the transport of animals, these can vary hugely by airline. Research all these factors before you select a carrier.

Pets traveling in the cabin require a reservation to ensure no more than seven pets are booked on any single flight. (...) You will be asked to complete a checklist with an agent. Here are a few of the questions as examples:
Are separate food/watering dishes securely attached and accessible without opening the kennel?
When was the last time the pet was fed and offered water?
Have you complied with all government requirements for international destinations?
Have you provided an original, valid health certificate for checked pets?
Can the pet sit, stand and rest comfortably without touching any of the sides of the kennel?

He loves exploring new sights and smells and he's thrilled to go wherever you go. An open car door is an invitation to an adventurous road trip. Your dog seems to be made for the jet-setting life. Or is he? Before booking that flight and packing a doggie knapsack, take time to consider all aspects of your dog's temperament and your trip plans.

Thursday, 12 September 2013

Realizing that days and nights are getting colder and colder, I've bought a sweater for my dog. It is a nice sweater, black and white, quite a simple thing. I know a bit how to knit, so I've thought that I can knit a sweater on my own:-)
Knitting is not really difficult and if you already know some simple patterns, it will take you about two eveinings to complete a new stylish Yorkie sweater :-)
I've found many useful tips online and I will buy tomorrow knitting needles and some wool - I cannot find my old knitting kit.
I do not like too many colours or mixed patterns - I prefer simple things. My dog has got grey coat so she looks good in blue colour. Maybe I will mix blue and white :-)
When I will be ready I will post photos of my DIY dog sweater.
Here I post a list of websites with patterns and tips on kniiting dog sweaters:Talking TailsRed HeartUnited Hope 4 AnimalsCreative Bug

Today I have had a problem with some tangled hair. Yorkshire Terriers have long coat, which should be combed regularly. However, I have had busy time recently and I have neglected a bit hair of my Yorkie. Today I have used Olive Oil to ger rid of tangles and I must admit it turned out to be indispensable!As we can read on Wikipedia website:

Olive oil is a fat obtained from the olive (the fruit of Olea europaea; family Oleaceae), a traditional tree crop of the Mediterranean Basin. The oil is produced by pressing whole olives.It is commonly used in cooking, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and soaps and as a fuel for traditional oil lamps. Olive oil is used throughout the world, but especially in the Mediterranean countries and, in particular, in Greece, which has the highest consumption per person

When removing a tangle sit in a comfortable position and grab the tangle close to the roots, the closer to the skin, the better. Hold it firmly in order to avoid pulling of the hair - it can hurt your dog badly and discourage it from your future beauty regime attempts.

Work from the outside of the tangle, where there is less matting. Work your way in toward the worst part.

Tuesday, 10 September 2013

I brush my teeth regularly :-), I visit my dentist regularly as well. But I have never thought that I should also brush my dog's teeth. I think it is a bit funny! I thought that chew toys or bones are sufficient to get rid of food remnants stuck between teeth.

Dogs need dental care, although many dog owners do not realize it. Although dogs don't normally get cavities because their diet is mostly sugar-free, small dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers are in danger of developing gum irritation and periodontitis.ehow

I do not want my dog to develop this!
Ok, so what I have learned is that it is possible to buy a dog toothpaste. For sure, taste of my own toothpaste is not appropriate for a Yorkie. When you will get a dog toothpaste you should not use too much of it, just a pea-sized amount, later brush the teeth of your dog using small, gentle circular motions. Later rinse the mouth/ muzzle of your dog with some water.
Do you wash your dog's teeth? Is it for you a normal daily-routine or do you think it is hilarious?
Here you can read an article about Yorkie Teeth Care

I am a big Victoria Stilwell fan. I think her training methods are really marvelous! She helps to solve bad dog behavior with positive reinforcement. Victoria Stilwell (born July 20, 1969 in Wimbledon, England) is an English dog trainer, author, and television presenter. Stilwell served as a judge on the CBS show Greatest American Dog and presents the Animal Planet dog training TV show It's Me or the Dog, counselling families with problem pets and solving their dogs’ behaviour problems.source Wikipedia, click here to read more
No matter if you are faced with training a puppy or with correcting the bad habits of your old dog her tips are very helpful. I really enjoy watching her TV series "It's me or the Dog"
You can watch full episodes of "It's me or the dog" also online. Click here to watch
Before she became a successful world-wide known dog trainer she had a dog walking agency. Within a month she was walking 20 dogs per day - 10 in the morning, 10 in the afternoon - and discovered her talent.She rejects dominance-based old training techniques and uses positive reinforcement. As you can see, it is possible to begin a really big thing and develop yourself even if you come from modest beginnings :-)
Her website Positively.com, where you can read more about her and her books.
One of episodes in her TV series is about a Yorkie:

UK 2 204 Bailey 1/31/2006 Bailey an aggressive Yorkshire Terrier causes havoc to a couple's love life and bullies the governor of a high security prison with a green wellington boot!